Vasovasostomies performed in 60 cases from June 1990 to January 1994

Results of the 60 vasovasostomies performed between June 1990 and January 1994 at the Hospital Gorgas in the Panama Canal Zone were retrospectively studied. All procedures were performed using a modified one layer technique aided by surgical microscope. All patients who requested reversal were included in the study regardless of age or amount of time since vasectomy in order to study experience in an unselected group. The time elapsed since vasectomy ranged from 9 months to 19 years. Follow-up included sperm counts at 2 4 and 6 months after surgery. In cases of azoospermia sperm counts were repeated at 10 months and 1 year. Surgical time ranged from 55 minutes to 3 hours and averaged about 2 hours significantly less than the average of 4 hours required for the two-layer technique. Patient ages ranged from 20 to 54 years. 56.3% were aged 30-40 years. Pregnancy was achieved in 34 (56.6%) of the 60 cases. The patency rate was 86.7%. 8 men (12.5%) remained azoospermic after 6 months of follow-up. 2 men who underwent the reversal within 1 year of the vasectomy achieved pregnancy as did 18 of 20 vasectomized from 1 to 5 years preceding reversal.